March 2023

Arlene (Mahlen) Helwig was born to Ernest and Olive “Anderson” Mahlen on November 9, 1944, in Webster, S.D. Arlene attended and graduated from Webster High School. She attended Northern State University after graduation. On December 7, 1963, she married Harlan “Bob” Helwig at St John’s Lutheran Church in Webster. The couple made their home in Wing, N.D. for four years where Bob taught. They then moved to Kenosha, Wis. and later to Redwood Falls. While in Redwood Falls, Arlene first worked for Redwood County Nursing Home, later transitioning to the Redwood County Attorney’s office where she worked until her retirement. During her years at the Redwood County Court House Arlene worked with some very special people and became lifelong friends with many of them. Arlene was a dedicated employee and was passionate about the work she did. After retirement, Bob and Arlene moved to their lake home on Blue Dog Lake, near Waubay, S.D. While living in Waubay, Arlene worked at HR One Stop and met many amazing people during her years there. Arlene enjoyed getting together with family and friends to enjoy a laugh. When she was at home, she could often be found enjoying a sporting event on television, especially college basketball and NFL games. Spending time with family was important and many miles were driven to ensure that time was spent with family for holidays and special events. Throughout the years, Arlene spent many hours at ball fields, gymnasiums and tracks supporting her kids and grandkids. Arlene, 78, of Waubay died on Sunday, February 19, 2023, at UT Health Hospital in Tyler, Texas. She will be forever missed by a son, Rob (Danielle) Helwig of Troup, Texas; a daughter, Dawn (Pete Kirchhevel) Helwig of Aberdeen, S.D.; four grandchildren, Danielle Janssen, Taylor Schultz, Tevin Helwig, Avery Helwig; three great-grandchildren, Jaelynn, Mason, and Sutton; two sisters, Jean Nygaard of Flint, Texas and Marilyn Stevens of Edina, and one brother, Lee Mahlen of Sioux